NANODIAMOND COMPOUNDS SYNTHESIZED BY SURFACE FUNCTIONALIZATION - Disclosed herein is a method for chemically attaching carboxyl, alcohol, amine or amide groups to the surface of nanodiamond (ND) in a liquid phase. Also disclosed herein are a functional ND compound obtained by the method and use thereof. The method includes treating synthetic ND with a size of 1 nm-1OO nm with sonication and a strong acid to provide ND-(COOH)

2010-11-25

20100298601

Catalyst System, Oxidation Reactor Containing The Same, And Preparation Method For Acrolein And Acrylic Acid Using The Same - The present invention relates to a catalyst system, an oxidation reactor comprising the same, and a method for producing an acrolein and an acrylic acid by using the same. By using the catalyst system according to the present invention, when acrolein and acrylic acid are produced, since heat accumulation in a catalyst layer may be effectively prevented, catalyst deterioration may be prevented, and the catalyst may be stably used for a long period of time. In addition, an acrolein and an acrylic acid may be produced at high selectivity and high yield.

2010-11-25

20100298602

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MICROFLUIDIC CRYSTALLIZATION - Systems and methods for crystallization in microfluidic systems are generally described. Many applications require the collection of time-resolved data to determine advantageous conditions for crystallization. The present invention provides tools and related techniques which address this need, as well as a platform for the growth of crystals within microfluidic channels. The systems and methods described herein provide, in one aspect, tools that allow for controlled, stable crystallization of organic materials in microfluidic channels. The invention can interface not only with microfluidic/microscale equipment, but with macroscale equipment to allow for the easy injection of fluids (e.g., fluids containing crystal precursor), extraction of crystals, determination of one or more crystal properties (e.g., crystal size, size distribution among multiple crystals, morphology, etc.), etc.

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ALIPHATIC CARBOXYLIC ACID AMIDE - The present invention relates to a process for producing an aliphatic carboxylic acid amide, including the step of reacting an aliphatic carboxylic acid or an alkyl ester thereof containing an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms with a mono- or dialkylamine containing an alkyl group or groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the presence of a solid acid catalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component and an oxide or oxides of at least one element selected from elements (except titanium) belonging to Groups 4, 5 and 14 of the long form of the periodic table, wherein the catalyst has an average particle diameter of 2 μm or more. The process for producing an aliphatic carboxylic acid amide according to the present invention has a high reaction efficiency of the reaction of the aliphatic carboxylic acid or alkyl ester thereof with the mono- or dialkylamine, and shows an excellent filtration efficiency in separation of the catalyst.

2010-11-25

20100298605

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A CONCENTRATED SOLUTION FOR A PHOTORESIST-STRIPPING LIQUID HAVING LOW WATER CONTENT - There is provided a process for producing a concentrated solution of quaternary ammonium hydroxide which is characterized in that quaternary ammonium hydroxide in a form of water-containing crystals or of an aqueous solution is mixed with a water-soluble organic solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ether, glycol and triol and the resulting mixed solution is subjected to a thin-film distillation in vacuo so as to evaporate the low boiling material. In accordance with this process, a concentrated solution of quaternary ammonium hydroxide having low water content is able to be easily produced.

2010-11-25

20100298606

PROCESS FOR PREPARING CINACALCET HYDROCHLORIDE - The invention relates to an improved process for preparing cinacalcet hydrochloride. The invention provides an efficient and economic process for preparing cinacalcet hydrochloride which is suitable for industrial implementation i.e., affords cinacalcet hydrochloride with high purity, and uses small volumes of acidifying agent and solvents. The invention also related to a process for preparing a cinacalcet carboxylate salt, including cinacalcet acetate

2010-11-25

20100298607

CYCLOPENTAPHENANTHRENE-BASED COMPOUND AND ORGANIC ELECTROLUMINESCENT DEVICE USING THE SAME - Provided are a cyclopentaphenanthrene-based compound and an organic EL device using the same. The cyclopentaphenanthrene-based compound is easy to prepare and excellent in solubility, color purity, and color stability. The cyclopentaphenanthrene-based compound is useful as a material for forming an organic layer, in particular, a light-emitting layer in an organic EL device, and as an organic dye or an electronic material such as a nonlinear optical material.

2010-11-25

20100298608

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING TERTIARY AMINE - Disclosed is a process for producing a tertiary amine from a primary or secondary amine and alcohol as corresponding starting materials, which includes step (i) of dehydrogenating an alcohol to obtain an aldehyde, step (ii) of reacting the aldehyde with a primary or secondary amine to obtain a primary or secondary amine adduct, and step (iii) of hydrogenating the primary or secondary amine adduct to obtain a tertiary amine, wherein step (ii) is carried out independently of the other steps.

2010-11-25

20100298609

METHOD FOR PREPARING AN AROMATIC BORON REAGENT THROUGH BARBIER-TYPE REACTION - The present invention discloses a method for preparing an aromatic boron reagent through Barbier-type reaction, comprising reacting an aromatic halogen compound with a boron compound in the presence of a metal to obtain an aromatic boron reagent, wherein the metal may be or may not be activated by an activator. The method according to the present invention can avoid using expensive and complicated procedures of prior art and hence is efficient and economic.

2010-11-25

20100298610

ALDEHYDE COMPOSITIONS DERIVED FROM SEED OILS - An aldehyde composition derived by hydroformylation of a transesterified seed oil and containing a mixture of formyl-substituted fatty acids or fatty acid esters having the following composition by weight: greater than about 10 to less than about 95 percent monoformyl, greater than about 1 to less than about 65 percent diformyl, and greater than about 0.1 to less than about 10 percent triformyl-substituted fatty acids or fatty acid esters, and having a diformyl to triformyl weight ratio of greater than about 5/1; preferably, greater than about 3 to less than about 20 percent saturates; and preferably, greater than about 1 to less than about 20 percent unsaturates.

ENGINEERED BIOSYNTHESIS OF FATTY ALCOHOLS - The present disclosure provides a process for the production of long chain fatty alcohols by recombinant host cells expressing one or more heterologous carboxylic acid reductase enzymes useful for the conversion of fatty acids, and derivatives thereof, to long chain fatty alcohols.

2010-11-25

20100298613

PROCESS OF PRODUCING ALCOHOL - A subject for the invention is to provide a process of producing a dimeric alcohol in high yield with high selectivity by the Guerbet reaction conducted using an alcohol having 4 or less carbon atoms as a starting material in the presence of a complex including a transition metal and of a base. The invention relates to a process of producing an alcohol which includes dimerizing a starting-material alcohol having 4 or less carbon atoms in an environment having a partial hydrogen pressure of 0.1 MPa or higher.

Biogenic Turbine And Diesel Fuel - The present invention provides fully renewable turbine and diesel fuels derived completely from biomass sources. In one embodiment the fully renewable turbine fuel is comprised of mesitylene and at least one alkane. Preferably, the turbine fuel comprises from about 50 to 99 wt % mesitylene and from about 1 to 50 wt % of at least one alkane. In another embodiment the diesel fuel comprises mesitylene, octadecane, and optionally octane or nonane. Preferably, the diesel fuel comprises from about 50 to 99 wt % mesitylene, and from about 1 to 50 wt % octadecane. These biomass derived fuels may be formulated to have a wide range of cetane values and differing freezing and boiling points.

2010-11-25

20100298616

METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BRANCHED SATURATED HYDROCARBONS - The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of branched saturated hydrocarbons, said method comprising the steps where a feed comprising olefins having at least 10 carbons is simultaneously hydrogenated and isomerized in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature of 100-400° C., under hydrogen partial pressure of 0.01-10 MPa, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal selected from the metals of Group VIIIb of the Periodic table of Elements, a molecular sieve selected from ten member ring molecular sieves, twelve member ring molecular sieves and mesoporous molecular sieves embedded with zeolite, and a carrier, to yield branched saturated hydrocarbons.

2010-11-25

20100298617

Process and Catalyst for the Transalkylation of Aromatics - Disclosed herein is a process and catalyst for producing an ethylbenzene feed from a polyethylbenzene feed, comprising the step of contacting a benzene feed with a polyethylbenzene feed under at least partial liquid phase conditions in the presence of a zeolite beta catalyst having a phosphorus content in the range of 0.01 wt. % to 0.5 wt. % of said catalyst, to provide a product which comprises ethylbenzene.

PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN OLEFINIC PRODUCT - Process for the preparation of an olefinic product, comprising reacting an oxygenate feedstock comprising oxygenate species having an oxygen-bonded methyl group and an olefinic co-feed, in the presence of an oxygenate conversion catalyst comprising a molecular sieve having one-dimensional 10-membered ring channels, to prepare an olefinic reaction effluent, wherein the olefinic co-feed comprises less than 10 wt % of C5+ hydrocarbon species; fractionating the olefinic reaction effluent to obtain at least a light olefinic fraction comprising ethylene, and a heavier olefinic fraction comprising C4 olefins and less than 10 wt % of C5+ hydrocarbon species; recycling at least part of the heavier olefinic fraction; and withdrawing at least part of the light olefinic fraction as olefinic product.

2010-11-25

20100298620

HYDROCONVERSION PROCESS WITH ALKYL HALIDE COMPRISING AT LEAST 55 WT% HALIDE - A process comprising: contacting a blend of hydrocarbons under hydroconversion conditions in a hydroconversion zone with a mixture of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst and at least one alkyl halide comprising at least 55 wt % halide and having a boiling point of 70° C. or higher. An alkylation process comprising: contacting a blend of hydrocarbons under alkylation conditions with a mixture of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst that is a chloroaluminate and at least one alkyl halide comprising 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, or a mixture thereof; wherein greater than 99.9 wt % of an at least one olefin in the blend of hydrocarbons is alkylated. Also, a hydroconversion process comprising drying the alkyl halide.

APPARATUSES AND TECHNIQUES FOR BIOACTIVE DRUG DELIVERY IN THE PROSTATE GLAND - Methods and apparatuses for the delivery of bioactive substances into the prostate. The present invention encompasses the release of bioactive substances into the prostate of a patient. Preferably, the present invention employs either a sustained-release or depot formulation of the bioactive substance to release the substance over an extended period of time. In particularly-preferred embodiments, the apparatuses of the present invention release of anti-inflammatory agents into the prostate. The anti-inflammatory agents preferably reduce the inflammation that is associated with brachytherapy and other conditions of the prostate. In particular, corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agents are employed in the context of the present invention.

2010-11-25

20100298623

INTRA-SESSION CONTROL OF TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Described herein are methods for controlling Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation during or within a session, where direct immediate patient reported feedback is utilized to assess the effect and optimize the treatment in real time. These methods may be applicable to superficial repetitive Transcranial Magnet Stimulation (rTMS) or deep-brain stereotactic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). Examples of therapies that may benefit from these methods include TMS treatment of: acute pain (e.g., during dental procedures or bunionectomies), depression, or Parkinson's Disease, to name only a few. TMS systems and devices including or more patient inputs that may be used to perform these methods are also described.

2010-11-25

20100298624

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DISORDERS WITH LOW FREQUENCY, LOW FLUX DENSITY MAGNETIC FIELDS - A method and apparatus for generating electromagnetic fields for healing. A device preferably includes a microcontroller and associated memory, a wire coil in electrical communication with a driving circuit that is controlled by the microcontroller in accordance with a program stored in the associated memory, wherein the driving circuit is effective to produce a pulsed DC output having a frequency in the range of about 0-45 Hz, more preferably in the range of 0.5-14.1 Hz and most preferably around 9.6 Hz. A user interface is provided for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation and a port (e.g., a USB port) is provided to allow the program stored in the associated memory to be modified by way of a computer, memory card or the Internet. In another embodiment, the apparatus takes the form of a medallion that can be worn around a user's neck or strategically placed on a user's body or embedded in other user hardware such as a combat or racing helmet.

2010-11-25

20100298625

Multi-lumen Cannula - This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided.

2010-11-25

20100298626

BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE HAVING A MULTILAYER PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENT - A bone conduction device comprising a multilayer piezoelectric element. The multilayer piezoelectric element comprises two stacked piezoelectric layers, and a flexible passive layer disposed between the piezoelectric layers. The device also comprises a mass component attached to the multilayer piezoelectric element; and a coupling attached to the multilayer piezoelectric element configured to transfer mechanical forces generated by the multilayer piezoelectric element and the mass component to a recipient's skull.

2010-11-25

20100298627

PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC COMPLEX - This invention is related to health and wellness equipment, and specifically can be used for medical and regenerative procedures assuming a complex influence of certain factors upon a patient psychological and physiological conditions under constant supervision of his condition. The physiotherapeutic complex containing a patient's seat with controllable height and back inclination angle, supplied by a control panel and built-in massage units, and also an audio-video system, the patient status control device, and a system control module. Innovation is that the complex is enhanced by a feeding air-oxygen-aroma mixture into the patient via a face mask or a nasal cannula.

2010-11-25

20100298629

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUSPENDING AN ORGAN DURING SURGERY - An organ suspending device is adapted for suspending an organ in a patient's body cavity during surgery, and includes an organ holding member and a suspending member. The organ holding member is adapted to be disposed in the patient's body cavity so as to hold the organ. The suspending member is adapted to be disposed in the patient's body cavity, and has two hanging elements and two piercing elements. The organ holding member together with the organ can be pulled in a direction toward a cavity wall of the patient's body cavity and away from its original position when the piercing elements are pulled outwardly of the cavity wall.

2010-11-25

20100298630

PELVIC FLOOR TREATMENTS AND RELATED TOOLS AND IMPLANTS - Described are implants, tools, and methods useful for treating pelvic conditions such as prolapse, incontinence, and others, by placing an implant to support pelvic tissue, the implants, tools, and methods involving placement of implants at locations within the pelvic region by placing an extension portion within tissue of the pelvic region.

2010-11-25

20100298631

SATIATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end.

2010-11-25

20100298632

Resistive Anti-Obesity Devices - A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that may be adjustable to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal liners or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long liner.

2010-11-25

20100298633

Manipulator With Guiding Insert - A manipulator includes a proximal end, a distal end with a manipulation device, a shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, and a transmission element for transmitting at least either a force or a motion between the proximal end and the distal end. Provided in the shaft is a guide insert for guiding the transmission element, such that the transmission element can slide with respect to the guide insert in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

2010-11-25

20100298634

MEDICAL INSTRUMENT FOR ENDOSCOPE AND TREATMENT METHOD - A medical instrument for an endoscope according to the invention is the medical instrument to be used in the endoscope by being inserted therein, and the medical instrument includes: a flexible elongated sheath having a first lumen and a second lumen; a conductive wire which is inserted into the first lumen and of which a portion of a distal side is exposed to the outside of the sheath as an instrument unit; and a balloon which is attached to the sheath and is expandable with the supply of fluid from the second lumen. The balloon is configured such that an axial dimension thereof is larger than a radial dimension upon expansion and a distal end of the balloon upon expansion is located closer to a proximal side than the treatment unit exposed from the sheath.

2010-11-25

20100298635

Steerable Capsule Apparatus and Method - A capsule includes a main body with at least one tail connected to the main body. At least two coils are disposed on each tail such that the coils are responsive to a magnetic field interacting with the coils such that a force is exerted on the tail. The capsule is controlled through application of a varying magnetic field with a constant current in the coils and/or by providing varying a current in the coils that interact with a constant magnetic field. The capsule can be disposed in a cavity, and the magnetic field can be provided from outside the cavity to affect movement of the capsule. An MRI device can be configured to control and image the capsule.

2010-11-25

20100298636

FLEXIBLE RIGIDIZING INSTRUMENTS - Medical instruments suitable for use in minimally invasive medical procedures have a first, highly flexible, state which allows the instruments to be easily passed into a body cavity through a trocar, cannula, catheter, or other access device positioned to give access into the body cavity. The instruments can then be arranged into a chosen shape, and rigidized in the chosen shape, allowing the user to use the instruments in a shape most suitable for the surrounding anatomy.

2010-11-25

20100298637

SUTURE WITH A POINTED END AND AN ANCHOR END AND WITH EQUALLY SPACED TISSUE GRASPING PROTRUSIONS LOCATED AT SUCCESSIVE AXIAL LOCATIONS - A tissue connector has a first pointed end, an anchor end, a body with a periphery and a plurality of protrusions projecting from said periphery of said body. The plurality of protrusions are adapted to grasp tissue in a direction of movement of the first end of the connector through tissue and are not adapted to grasp tissue in an opposite direction of movement of the connector through tissue, which is in the direction of the anchor end. At axial locations of said body, three said protrusions are about equally located about the periphery of said body. At axial locations on a cylindrical periphery of the body protrusions are locate at about 120 degree spacings.

2010-11-25

20100298638

Endoscopic Instrument with Bi-Laterally Widened Cam-Slot at End Effector - An endoscopic instrument includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, a clevis at the distal end of the tubular member, and an end effector assembly mounted on the clevis. A control member extends through the tubular member and includes a cam-pin coupled to the distal end thereof. The end effectors are controlled with a cam-pin and cam-slot arrangement, with the end effectors including the cam-slot and such cam-slot having a proximal end slot bilaterally widened to permit the cam-pin additional movement therein. When the cam-pin is retracted to move the end effectors into a closed positions and then further retracted into the bilaterally widened area, the end effectors can rotate together in the same direction to facilitate movement through a rigid bend in an endoscope.

2010-11-25

20100298639

METHODS FOR USING SELF-RETAINING SUTURES IN ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES - Endoscopic methods utilize self-retaining sutures to approximate tissue in a cavity of a subject. An endoscopic instrument is provided containing the self-retaining suture. The endoscopic instrument may be provided in combination with an endoscope and/or an endoscopic manipulator. The endoscopic instrument is passed through a cavity wall into a cavity of a patient. The self-retaining suture is deployed, using the endoscopic instrument, into a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion within the cavity. The self-retaining suture may be deployed endoscopically in patterns which include, purse string stitch, alpha stitch, linear stitching, curvilinear stitching, continuous helical stitch, and continuous sinusoidal stitch.

2010-11-25

20100298640

Endoscope With Imaging Capsule - A method of examining internal body portions of patients. The method includes providing an imaging capsule including an image capturing unit, mounting the imaging capsule on a first elongate tube suitable for insertion into a body cavity, in a manner which prevents release of the imaging capsule from the first elongate tube within a body cavity, inserting the first elongate tube with the capsule mounted thereon into a patient, retracting the first elongate tube from the patient, separating the imaging capsule from the first elongate tube, disposing of the first elongate tube, mounting the imaging capsule on a second elongate tube and inserting the second elongate tube with the imaging capsule mounted thereon into a patient.

2010-11-25

20100298641

ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system of the present invention includes an image pickup section that picks up an image of an object, a position detection section that detects a position indicating a predetermined object in the image of the object obtained by the image pickup section and a probability calculation section that calculates a probability value as a degree indicating accuracy of the position being the predetermined object using first information obtained from the image and second information on a condition of the object whose image is picked up by the image pickup section.

2010-11-25

20100298642

MANIPULATABLE GUIDE SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMENAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY - A guide system for accommodating an endoscopic tool. The guide system comprises a flexible inner sheath and a handle coupled to the inner sheath adjacent a proximal end of the inner sheath. The inner sheath includes a plurality of working channels. The working channels are bundled over a common portion of their respective lengths, and the working channels collectively define a substantially honeycombed cross-sectional area.

2010-11-25

20100298643

Endoscope With Eye-Piece Tiltable Via Metal Bellows - An endoscope, in particular for intubating an airway, includes a shaft, which in its distal end area includes a lens system for receiving an endoscopic image, and an endoscope head, which includes a first head section, which is connected with the shaft, as well as a second head section which includes an eyepiece, such that the second head section is configured tiltably in relation to the first head section, and such that the endoscope includes an image conductor, which is flexible at least in sections, for transmitting to the eyepiece the image captured by the lens system. The image conductor is surrounded by a protective tube that continues from the shaft as far as the second head section and is flexibly tiltable at least in sections. As a result, protection is afforded from both mechanical damage and from penetration of steam in superheated-steam sterilization.

2010-11-25

20100298644

CO-AXIAL ORAL INTUBATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A co-axial oral intubation device includes a generally J-shaped blade (flat or curved) with handle portion to deliver a flexible airway instrument, such as a fiber optic bronchoscope, when coupled to the blade into the trachea of a patient for subsequent co-axial intubation with the flexible airway instrument. The blade is long enough that the handle portion remains outside the patient for manipulation, after insertion into the patient's airway. An enclosed guide is coupled to the back side of the blade, conforming to the blade, for guiding and holding the flexible airway instrument. An oral intubation system includes the co-axial oral intubation device, together with a flexible airway instrument.

2010-11-25

20100298645

MAGNARETRACTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for performing surgical procedures within a body cavity, e.g. abdomen, uses a magnetized device is utilized to allow a surgeon to control intra-abdominal organs and objects. The system and method allows a surgeon to perform an intra-abdominal procedure without the need to position surgical tools inside of the body cavity. Additional surgical ports are not necessary as the magnetized device allows the surgeon to retract or position various objects within the abdomen.

2010-11-25

20100298646

FLEXIBLE ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH REINFORCED LUMEN - An access assembly for insertion through a single incision is provided. The access assembly includes a foam body having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of lumen extending through the foam body, each of the lumen including a sleeve extending the length of the body.

2010-11-25

20100298647

Screw Guide and Tissue Retractor Instrument - An apparatus is provided for performing spinal surgery having a handle assembly, a screw guide, and a retractor. A shaft is provided with a handle, a neck portion and a connecting portion. The screw guide is provided with a connecting element coupled to the connecting portion of the handle assembly. A retractor for retracting tissue is coupled to the screw guide, wherein the neck portion of the handle assembly is provided with a spring loaded sleeve adapted to engage one of a plurality of holes positioned on a portion of the connecting element. The connecting portion is pivotably coupled to the connecting element.

VITAL SIGN MONITORING SYSTEM FEATURING 3 ACCELEROMETERS - The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

2010-11-25

20100298651

CABLE SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SIGNALS FOR DETECTING MOTION AND MEASURING VITAL SIGNS - The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

2010-11-25

20100298652

SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING A PTT-BASED BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT USING ARM HEIGHT - The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

2010-11-25

20100298653

METHOD FOR MEASURING PATIENT MOTION, ACTIVITY LEVEL, AND POSTURE ALONG WITH PTT-BASED BLOOD PRESSURE - The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

2010-11-25

20100298654

BLOOD PRESSURE-MONITORING SYSTEM WITH ALARM/ALERT SYSTEM THAT ACCOUNTS FOR PATIENT MOTION - The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

2010-11-25

20100298655

METHOD FOR MEASURING PATIENT POSTURE AND VITAL SIGNS - The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

2010-11-25

20100298656

ALARM SYSTEM THAT PROCESSES BOTH MOTION AND VITAL SIGNS USING SPECIFIC HEURISTIC RULES AND THRESHOLDS - The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

2010-11-25

20100298657

METHOD FOR CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING A PATIENT USING A BODY-WORN DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM FOR ALARMS/ALERTS - The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

2010-11-25

20100298658

GRAPHICAL 'MAPPING SYSTEM' FOR CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING A PATIENT'S VITAL SIGNS, MOTION, AND LOCATION - The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

2010-11-25

20100298659

BODY-WORN SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING A PATIENT'S BP, HR, SPO2, RR, TEMPERATURE, AND MOTION; ALSO DESCRIBES SPECIFIC MONITORS FOR APNEA, ASY, VTAC, VFIB, AND 'BED SORE' INDEX - The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

2010-11-25

20100298660

BODY-WORN DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM FOR ALARMS/ALERTS BASED ON VITAL SIGNS AND MOTION; ALSO DESCRIBES SPECIFIC MONITORS THAT INCLUDE BARCODE SCANNER AND DIFFERENT USER INTERFACES FOR NURSE, PATIENT, ETC. - The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

2010-11-25

20100298661

METHOD FOR GENERATING ALARMS/ALERTS BASED ON A PATIENT'S POSTURE AND VITAL SIGNS - The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.

2010-11-25

20100298662

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION OF TWENTY-FOUR HOUR ULTRAFILTRATION AND OTHER PATIENT PARAMETERS USING WIRED OR WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY - A dialysis system includes: a dialysis machine for performing a first dialysis session on a patient at a first time of a day; a remote exchange device for performing a second dialysis session on the patient at a second time of the day, the remote exchange device configured to record an amount of ultrafiltration (“UF”) that is removed from the patient over the second dialysis session; and a communication link between the dialysis machine and the remote exchange device, wherein the dialysis machine is configured to receive the recorded amount UF removed from the remote exchange device via the communication link and determine a total amount of UF removed from the patient over the first and second sessions.

2010-11-25

20100298663

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF IRREGULAR METABOLIC FUNCTION - A system and method for detecting and treating irregular metabolic function. The systems and methods generally include an implantable medical device that measures various physiological parameters. Such physiological parameters generally provide an indication of the patient's metabolic rate, respiratory rate, and activity level. For example, the medical device may measure the patient's relative movement, or may measure the patient's oxygen consumption. These measures are then recorded, and the recorded data is used to determine the normal relationship between metabolic rate and other physiological parameters for that patient. The baseline relationship is then used to determine if the patient experiences an increase or decrease in metabolic rate that is not explained by changes in other physiological parameters. Further testing, and treatment if necessary, can be performed if the physiological parameters indicate irregular metabolic function.

LIVING BODY INFORMATION DETECTION APPARATUS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE METER - A living body information detection apparatus including a pair of arms opposed to each other. The apparatus including a spindle for connecting between the arms of the pair at each end of the arms. The apparatus further including a distance variable mechanism, provided in the spindle, for adjusting an interval between the other ends of the pair of arms. The apparatus also including a detection part, for detecting living body information, attached to the other end of at least one arm of the pair of arms on a side opposed to another arm.

2010-11-25

20100298666

LIVING BODY INFORMATION DETECTION APPARATUS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE METER - A living body information collecting system includes a portable terminal and a living body information collecting apparatus. The living body information collecting apparatus includes a sensing part for collecting living body information from an external auditory meatus. The living body information collecting apparatus further includes a drive control part for drive-controlling the sensing part and processing a signal from the sensing part. The living body information collecting apparatus also includes a transmission part for transmitting information processed by the drive control part. The portable terminal includes a terminal receive part for receive-processing information from the transmission part. The portable terminal also includes a display part for displaying information from the terminal receive part.

2010-11-25

20100298667

LIVING BODY INFORMATION DETECTION APPARATUS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE METER - A living body information detection circuit including a light-emitting element for irradiating a part of a living body with irradiating light. The living body information detection circuit further including a light-receiving element for receiving scattered light of the irradiating light scattered in the part of the living body to detect a pulse waveform. The living body information detection circuit also including a light shielding structure for limiting an angle of light entering the light-receiving element in front of the light-receiving element.

2010-11-25

20100298668

Ingestible Circuitry - The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

2010-11-25

20100298669

BAN-SENSOR RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A radio communication device for communicating sensor information includes an electromagnetic wave communication unit using electromagnetic waves using the air as a propagation path, an ultrasonic communication unit using ultrasonic waves using an inside of a living body as a propagation path, and a midair/living-body switching control unit for switching between a communication performed by the electromagnetic wave communication unit and a communication performed by the ultrasonic wave communication unit.

2010-11-25

20100298670

ELECTROLYTE MONITORING USING IMPLANTED CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A method for diagnosing an electrolyte level with a cardiac rhythm management device includes recording intra-cardiac electrograms from multiple sites. The method determines the electrolyte level based upon a comparative analysis of intra-cardiac electrograms recorded from at least two of the sites. The electrolyte level can be quantified based upon a general model, or a patient specific model.

METHODS FOR EVALUATING A SUBJECT USING DATA ASSOCIATED WITH A FLUORESCENT ANALYTE - Methods, systems, devices and computer program product include: (i) administering a fluorescent analyte to a subject; (ii) repetitively emitting excitation light from a sensor over a desired monitoring period; (iii) detecting fluorescence intensity in response to the excitation light using the sensor that outputs the excitation light; and (iv) using data associated with the detected fluorescence intensity to perform at least one of: (a) calculate the concentration or dose of the analyte received proximate to the sensor site; (b) evaluate the pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic activity of the fluorescent analyte; (c) confirm Ab attachment to a tumor site; (d) monitor a non-target site to confirm it is not unduly affected by a therapy; (e) monitor for changes in cellular properties; (f) use the calculated dose or concentration data to adjust or customize a therapeutic amount of the analyte administered to the subject; (g) confirm micelle concentration at a target site and then stimulate toxin release based on the confirmation; and (h) monitor for the expression of a protein produced from a gene therapy modification.

2010-11-25

20100298673

METHOD FOR THE GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION IN PULSATIONAL BLOOD - Method for the continuous measurement of the glucose concentration in blood undergoing pulsational flow, with the steps: determination of a value for the glucose concentration for a first measurement cycle, and repetition of the determination of this value in subsequent measurement cycles, where there is multiple detection, within each measurement cycle, of the transmittance and/or scattering power of the blood for at least two incident MR wavelengths, calculation of an indicator value depending on the blood glucose concentration, and ascertaining the blood glucose concentration by comparing the indicator value with a previously determined calibration table, determination of the blood temperature during the detection of the transmittance and/or scattering power, continuous measurement of the pulse duration of the pulsational blood flow, where the duration of the measurement cycle is arranged to keep in step as integral multiple of the pulse duration, where the first of the at least two MR wavelengths is selected from the wavelength range 1560-1630 nm, and the second of the at least two MR wavelengths is selected from the wavelength range 790-815 nm, and the ratio of the transmittance and/or scattering power of the at least two wavelengths is calculated, this ratio serving in relation to the blood temperature as indicator value for reading off the blood glucose concentration from the calibration table.

2010-11-25

20100298674

PROTECTIVE SHELL FOR AN IN VIVO SENSOR MADE FROM RESORBABLE POLYMER - An implantable device with in vivo functionality, where the functionality of the device is negatively affected by the inflammation reaction generally associated with tissue injury, encapsulated by a protective coating that prevents damage to the device from any inflammation reactions. The protective coating is designed to persist for a set period of time, generally until after the inflammation reaction of the surrounding in vivo environment in response to the injury caused by the implantation procedure has concluded. The protective coating is further designed to “resorb” (i.e. to dissociate from the device, dissolve, and be absorbed into the surrounding environment) after a set period of time, allowing the device to perform its in vivo functionality unhindered without loss of performance.

2010-11-25

20100298675

Hemoglobin Display and Patient Treatment - The present disclosure describes embodiments of a patient monitoring system and methods that include the measure and display of hemoglobin statistics. In an embodiment, total hemoglobin trending is displayed over a period of time. Statistics can include frequency domain analysis, which may be unique for each patient monitored. The total hemoglobin trending and/or statistics can further be used to help control the treatment of a patient, such as being used to control IV administration.

2010-11-25

20100298676

Estimating Transform Values Using Signal Estimates - According to embodiments, estimated values for a signal transform may be generated using estimated values for the signal. Signal parameters may then be determined based on the estimated signal transform. A first portion of a signal may be obtained. A second portion of the signal may be estimated. The second portion of the signal may correspond to a portion of the that is unknown, that is not yet available and/or that is obscured by noise and/or artifacts. A transform (e.g., a continuous wavelet transform) of both of the signal portions may be performed. One or more parameters corresponding to the signal may then be determined from transformed signal.

2010-11-25

20100298677

WIRELESS RING-TYPE PHYSICAL DETECTOR - A wireless ring-type physical detector includes a ring, a sensor unit, an amplifier unit, a demultiplexer unit, a processor unit and a wireless transmission unit. The sensor unit uses a light signal to detect the blood oxygen saturation, the heartbeat and continuous blood pressure. The detected light signal is processed by each unit to get a physical parameter which is valuable for a clinic test.

2010-11-25

20100298678

Method And System For Self Regulation Of Sensor Component Contact Pressure - A method and system for regulating contact pressure of a sensor is provided. In accordance with an embodiment, a sensor includes a collapsible material capable of regulating the localized component contact pressure exerted on a tissue between a threshold which ensures proper contact between the sensing component and monitoring site but which minimizes incidents of excessive localized pressures which could result in tissue damage over prolonged use. This localized contact pressure range is maintained over a wide range of sensor application pressures. In one embodiment, a window is provided in the sensor and a colorimetric indication of the compression or expansion of the collapsible material may be determined through the window.

2010-11-25

20100298679

SEMICONDUCTOR BASED ANALYTE SENSORS AND METHODS - An analyte sensor is provided that comprises a substrate which includes a semiconductor material. Embodiments may include a core of a conductive material, and a cladding of a semiconductor material, in which the cladding may form at least a portion of a conducting path for a working electrode of the analyte sensor. Method of manufacturing and using the analyte sensor are described, as are numerous other aspects.

2010-11-25

20100298680

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A PROPERTY OF LIVING TISSUE - The invention relates to a measurement of tissue properties, in particular glucose, by measuring the response of the tissue to an applied electric field. The tissue is modeled by a System of homogeneous layers. In one approach, a plurality of electrical fields are generated in the tissue at different frequencies. For each of the fields, a signal depending on the dielectric permittivity as seen by the electrode arrangement at the frequency is measured, thereby generating a measured dataset. In another approach the different electrode configurations can be used to achieve different penetration depths in the desired layers. A function is then fitted to the dataset by varying at least some parameters of the function. These parameters describe the dispersion of the dielectric permittivity of a plurality of layers in the tissue. At least part of the parameters obtained in this fitting procedure are then used for determining the desired tissue property. Furthermore a combination of these two approaches can be used to optimize the uniqueness of the Solution of the fitting procedure for changes at a specific depth.

2010-11-25

20100298681

Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use - An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.

2010-11-25

20100298682

Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use - An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.

2010-11-25

20100298683

PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods are described for wirelessly monitoring an emergency responder. In some embodiments, a sensor acquires values of carboxyhemoglobin in blood. The values are recorded and are used to provide feedback to a user. The feedback includes at least one of visible, tactile, and audible information.

2010-11-25

20100298684

ANALYTE SENSOR - Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

2010-11-25

20100298685

ADAPTIVE INSULIN DELIVERY SYSTEM - A proactive system and method in which levels of glucose are monitored after a meal signal and compared to a safe range. If a monitored glucose level is outside the safe range, a post-prandial vertex of the glucose level is identified and an action is provided to more rapidly return the glucose level to a target level within the safe range than if no action was provided. In another aspect a control parameter in an IDM system is adjusted by determining a performance metric of the system as a function of the levels of glucose and a medication administration signal over a first window of time; and, if the performance metric is outside an expected range, adjusting the control parameter to adjust an amount of medication and to bring the performance metric inside the expected range.

2010-11-25

20100298686

Method and System for Providing Data Management in Data Monitoring System - Method and system for providing a fault tolerant data receiver unit configured with a partitioned or separate processing units, each configured to perform a predetermined and/or specific processing associated with the one or more substantially non-overlapping functions of the data monitoring and management system is provided

2010-11-25

20100298687

WEARABLE MONITORING APPARATUS AND DRIVING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are a wearable monitoring apparatus and a driving method thereof. The wearable monitoring apparatus comprises: a sensor unit for measuring a biological signal from a human body, wherein the sensor unit is adhered to a skin; and a control unit for searching a location of the sensor unit, supplying power to the sensor unit, and receiving and processing the biological signal from the sensor unit, wherein the control unit is formed to be wearable.

2010-11-25

20100298688

PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING USING A VERSATILE ACOUSTIC LENS - To image various soft tissues in the body using pulsed laser optical excitation delivered through a multi-mode optical fiber to create photoacoustic impulses, and then image the generated photoacoustic impulses with an acoustic detector array, a probe includes either a mirror and an acoustic lens or a special acoustic lens of variable focal length and magnification that can operate in a liquid environment that is aberration-corrected to a sufficient degree that high resolution images can be obtained with lateral as well as depth resolution.

2010-11-25

20100298689

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING FLOW AND ENHANCING SNR PERFORMANCE IN PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING APPLICATIONS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for combining photoacoustic/thermoacoustic imaging with power Doppler signal processing. More particularly, the disclosed systems and methods involve use of encoded Doppler signals in order to detect and image in vivo blood flow. The disclosed flow detection systems and methods may be used in photoacoustic imaging using PD to achieve, inter alia, enhanced signal-to-noise (SNR) and sensitivity performances. A method for detecting flow in a target region may involve (i) obtaining a encoded signal containing photoacoustic imaging data for the target region using a photoacoustic imaging system, (ii) decoding the encoded signal, (iii) passing the decoded signal through a demodulator and a low-pass filter, resulting in a base-band signal, (iv) passing the base-band signal through a wall filter, resulting in an uncluttered signal; and (iv) estimating the Ro value by integrating the power spectrum of the uncluttered signal.

2010-11-25

20100298690

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE GEOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF ELECTRICAL DIPOLE DENSITIES ON THE CARDIAC WALL - Disclosed are devices, a systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various locations within the associated chamber of the heart. To create a database of dipole densities, mapping information recorded by multiple electrodes located on one or more catheters and anatomical information is used. In addition skin electrodes may be implemented.

2010-11-25

20100298691

Method of examining dynamic cardiac electromagnetic activity - A method of examining cardiac electromagnetic activity over a heart for diagnosing the cardiac functions of the heart is disclosed. The method may include constructing a phase diagram of electromagnetic signals over a heart by collecting sets of time-dependent magnetic signals, determining the zeroth and the first derivations of each set of the magnetic signals at a given time, and categorizing the zeroth and the first derivations of the magnetic signals in either of the four phases: (+, +), (−, −), (+, −), (−, +). The method may also include monitoring a wave propagation of the magnetic signals.

2010-11-25

20100298692

METHOD FOR DETECTING TUMOR CELL INVASION USING SHORT DIFFUSION TIMES - An improved method for detecting tumor cell invasion using diffusion times as short as two (2) msec incorporates diffusion weighing imaging techniques into a standard spin echo (SE) pulse sequence to minimize the effects of compartment boundary restrictions on diffusion values and corresponding MRI imaging data related to glioma invasion.

2010-11-25

20100298693

BREAST COMPRESSION ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN MRI BIOPSY PROCEDURE - A compression assembly is operable to localize a patient's breast. The compression assembly comprises a frame and a plurality of slats. The frame defines a plurality of tracks. The frame is configured to engage a breast localization fixture. The slats are coupled with the frame. Portions of the slats are disposed in the tracks. One or more of the slats are movable relative to the frame to provide adjustable access to a patient's breast engaged by the compression assembly. The slats may be slid and/or rotated relative to the frame. In some versions, the tracks and slats are provided in two sets. Each set lies along a respective plane, with the two planes being parallel to each other. The slats of one set may ratchetingly engage the slats of the other set to restrain slat movement. In some versions, the slats are removable from the frame for increased access.

2010-11-25

20100298694

STROKE RISK ASSESSMENT - Certain embodiments provide a method of assessing a risk of thromboembolic stroke in a patient. The method comprises acquiring image data and determining an indicator of a degree of fibrosis of a patient's left atrium (LA) based on the image data. The method also comprises estimating a level of risk of thromboembolic stroke of the patient based on the indicator.

2010-11-25

20100298695

System and Method for Cardiac Lead Placement - A system and method for determining a location of a cardiac lead within an anatomy is provided. The system can include a cardiac lead for insertion into an anatomy, which can define at least one conduit. The system can include a confirmation member that can be positionable within the at least one conduit and movable relative to the cardiac lead. The system can include at least one tracking device, which can be coupled to the confirmation member, and a tracking system that can track a position of the at least one tracking device relative to the anatomy. The system can include a navigation system that determines a position of the confirmation member relative to the anatomy based on the position of the at least one tracking device. The navigation system can also determine a position of the cardiac lead within the anatomy based on the position of the confirmation member.

2010-11-25

20100298696

SELF-CONTAINED, SELF-PIERCING, SIDE-EXPELLING MARKING APPARATUS - A marking apparatus includes a rigid cannula having a peripheral wall forming a lumen that carries an imaging marker, a proximal end coupled to a handle, a lateral opening in the peripheral wall that is open to the lumen, and a closed-off distal portion having a ramp adjacent the lumen. The closed-off distal portion extends distally from the ramp to terminate at a tissue piercing pointed tip. The ramp of the rigid cannula is curved to transition from the peripheral wall of the rigid cannula to the lateral opening of the rigid cannula. The ramp of the rigid cannula is adapted to engage the distal end of the stylet as the stylet is advanced through the lumen of the rigid cannula to guide the distal end of the stylet to a position to substantially close off the lateral opening of the rigid cannula having the tissue piercing tip.

2010-11-25

20100298697

METHOD AND DEVICES FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF RNA DELIVERY TO CELLS - The instant invention provides a method for improving efficiency of RNA delivery to cells. The method comprises applying a low strength electric field to the cells and then after a certain time period, administering the ribonucleic acid sequence to the cells. Devices, kits, and RNA molecules suitable for delivery and devices suitable for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.

2010-11-25

20100298698

TISSUE SITE MARKERS FOR IN VIVO IMAGING - The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging. The biopsy site marker may be accurately fixed to the biopsy site so as to resist migration from the biopsy cavity when a placement instrument is withdrawn, and when the marked tissue is subsequently moved or manipulated.

2010-11-25

20100298699

System and Method for Proportional Mixing and Continuous Delivery of Fluids - A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that a positional change in valve device actuator position provides a change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet.